Luke 2:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

NIV: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

NASB: In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night.

CSB: In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.

NLT: That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

KJV: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

NKJV: Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

The region in question is Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph travelled there to comply with a government-ordered census (Luke 2:1–4). Mary made the trip expecting to give birth to Jesus very soon, and she delivers in humble circumstances (Luke 2:5–7).

For reasons the Bible does not specify, angels will arrive to tell these shepherds about Jesus' birth. The fact that this is good news "for all the people" might be a partial explanation. Other Gospels note that Israel's educated men ought to have recognized the signs of Messiah's birth, but apparently made no effort to seek Him out (Matthew 2:3–6).

The shepherds are the only visitors whom the Bible records meeting Jesus on the actual night of His birth. Though popular culture often depicts Mary giving birth in a barn stall surrounded by livestock, the only detail found in Scripture is that she rests Jesus in a feeding trough, known as a manger. This is where the shepherds will find Him (Luke 2:12).

Luke 2:8–21 describes shepherds who are visited by numerous angels. These beings proclaim the birth of Christ and explain where He can be found. The men follow the angels' directions and find Jesus, Joseph, and Mary just as predicted. Jesus' family celebrates these events, as God continues to use simple people to proclaim His most important truths. When Jesus is eight days old, in accordance with Jewish tradition, he is circumcised and officially given His prophesied name.

The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 5/3/2024 10:15:55 AM